Zambia hold Harambee Starlets in thriller

The national women’s team Harambee Starlets drew 2-2 with the Shepololo of Zambia in a thrilling opening leg of their Olympics qualifying clash at the Kasarani Stadium on Friday.

Zambia opened the scoring in the 12th minute through Rhoda Chilese but were pegged back by Martha Tembo’s own goal at the half-hour mark which ensured both sides went into the break deadlocked at 1-1.

Vivian Odhiambo put Starlets ahead in the 74th minute but their lead barely lasted a minute as a defensive error allowed Rachel Kundanaji to pounce and level matters.

The match started on a high note with a series of attacking plays from the visitors and their positive start paid off when Chilese struck after receiving a beautifully weighted pass from Anita Muleya.

Tembo put the ball inside her own net after some bit of pressure from Starlets and the hosts carried momentum into the second half.

Odhiambo hit the cross bar before she reacted fastest to poke home from goalkeeper Hazel Natasha’s spill. Zambia however responded swiftly to the goal they had conceded, and got the equaliser a minute later after a defensive error saw Rachel Kundanaji bag the ball in an empty net.

The last quarter of the match didn’t have much and the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

The result now means Harambee Starlets will have to win their second leg against Zambia on Monday, in order to be assured of qualification to Tokyo next year.

The team is set to travel to Zambia on Saturday ahead of the return leg on Tuesday.

SQUADS

Harambee Starlets Starting XI: 1. Annette Kundu (GK), 3. Vivian Nasaka, 15. Wincate Kaari, 5. Dorcas Shikobe (C), 20. Ruth Ingosi, 17. Vivian Corazone, 14. Elizabeth Wambui, 4. Cynthia Shilwatso, 6. Sheril Andiba, 2. Mwanalima Adam, 7. Janet Bundi

Substitutes: 18. Judith Osimbo (GK), 19. Monica Odato, 11. Nelly Sawe, 19. Lumasia Siliya, 13. Lucy Akoth, 12. Lydia Akoth, 10. Jentrix Shikangwa, 9. Topistar Situma, 8. Mercy Airo

Zambia Starting XI: 16. Natasha Hazel, 8. Margaret Belemu, 13. Marthe Tembo, 5. Anita Mulenga, 3. Mweemba Lushomo, 12. Rhoda Chileshe, 7. Zulu Misozi, 17. Mary Mwakapila, 14. Rachael Kundananji, 11. Barbra Banda, 10. Grace Chanda

Substitutes: 1. Musole Ngambo, 2. Mary Mulenga, 4. Emeldah Musonda , 6. Judith Zulu, 15. Agness Musase, 18. Annie Namonje, 19. Vast Phiri, 9. Hellen Mubanga, 20. Rachael Nachula